Health Library

What Are the Symptoms of Penile Cancer?

Although many men with penile cancer have early symptoms, you may have no symptoms until the cancer is in its later stages. You may notice symptoms but think they are due to something other than cancer. Tell your health care provider about any changes in the skin of your penis, the color of the skin, or any unusual discharge, such as bleeding or foul odor. In many cases, the first sign of penile cancer is an ulcer, sore, or growth on the penis. The growth is usually painless although it can be painful in some cases, and shows up on the glans or the foreskin, but can also show up on the shaft of the penis. These are some other symptoms:

Changes in skin color, thickening of the skin, tissue growth

A red, velvet-like rash

Bleeding

Small and crusty bumps

Flat growths with a bluish brown color

A discharge under the foreskin, with or without an odor

Swelling at the tip of the penis, especially if the foreskin is tight

Swelling in the groin

These symptoms may or may not mean penile cancer. If you have any of them, you should see your health care provider right away.